Pope sends blessing to East African bishops conferences

(July 04, 2011) Pope Benedict XVI on Monday sent his blessing to the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA), congratulating it on its golden jubilee. Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone sent a message on the Pope’s behalf to AMECEA chairman, Cardinal John Njue, Archbishop of Nairobi, Kenya, saying the Holy Father thanks Almighty God for the many benefits received in the area of ongoing regional consultation and cooperation for the good of the Church. The Pope prayed that the Lord continue to bless the bishops’ efforts to bring the men and women of Africa the liberating word of the Gospel so that they may respond with wisdom, charity and courage to the circumstances and challenges of their lives. The Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa, that groups together 8 African countries marked its 50 years on Saturday at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Langata near Nairobi, during its 17^th plenary assembly. “AMECEA Family of God Celebrating a Golden Jubilee of Evangelization in Solidarity,” is the theme of the June 27-July 7 plenary in which over 300 delegates are participating.